knokelmaat 6d ago • 100%
Is it recommended to play the other Mother games before 3?
I'm waiting patiently on Astrobot to get within my feasible price range, I adored Playroom :).
knokelmaat 6d ago • 100%
While I understand where you're coming from, I believe that it distracts from a massive positive effect that the GPL has: the way it ensures collaboration. Lots of contributors to GPL software do so in the knowledge that they are working on something great together. I myself have felt discouraged to contribute to MIT licensed software, because I know that others might just take all the hard work, make something proprietary of it and give nothing back.
I see GPL as some sort of public transaction, it is indeed more limiting than MIT and offers less pure freedom in that sense. But I just love how it uses copyright not for enforcing licensing payment for some private entity, but enforces a contribution to the community as a whole. I find this quite beautiful.
As the title suggests: I've had it with open worlds with dozens of things to do and checklists to complete. What are your favorite, delightfully simple, linear games? This question is sparked by the discussion in the Final Fantasy thread, were I disclosed that I actually kind of like XIII *because* of its linearity. Other linear favorites of mine include: Half-Life series, Portal series, Uncharted series, some COD campaigns, Undertale, Journey, Super Mario 3D World, Plague Tale, Spec Ops: The Line A shout out to A Way Out in the co-op catergory!
knokelmaat 1w ago • 100%
I am probably in an extreme minority here, but my favorite final fantasy game is... XIII. I remember being so hyped when it came out, the graphics on my PS3 were unreal. This was at a time in my life where I was unable to finish any big game due to limited attention span, but I played the first hours of that game a lot and really enjoyed it. Since then I've tried getting into VII, IX, XII and XIV, and all of them I bounced off of. However, trying XIII again years later on PC, it just feels so comfy. I don't need to think too hard were to go or what to do, just let the game guide me and enjoy the music and spectacle.
I've noticed lately that I absolutely love linear games: half-life, portal, uncharted... are all experiences I adored because of their simplicity. Just move forward! I feel that a lot of mainstream gaming has become about side objectives, open worlds and collecting 100% of collectibles, and it is honestly exhausting. If you have any linear game recommendations, please chime in :)!
The format of these posts is simple: let’s discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss the **Final Fantasy** series of video games. What are your favorites? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Visual Novels](https://beehaw.org/post/16369988), [Hollow Knight](https://beehaw.org/post/16204715), [Nintendo DS](https://beehaw.org/post/16118681), [Monster Hunter](https://beehaw.org/post/15969036), [Persona](https://beehaw.org/post/15815857), [Monkey Island](https://beehaw.org/post/15642043), [8 Bit Era](https://beehaw.org/post/15418480), [Animal Crossing](https://beehaw.org/post/15260871), [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
knokelmaat 1w ago • 100%
What an amazing comment, this reads just like a blog post! Will definitely check it out!!!
knokelmaat 1w ago • 100%
What a great video! I was afraid going in that it would have some "forced" new opinion on the game to be relevant, but it was actually super important and interesting.
Thanks for sharing!
knokelmaat 2w ago • 100%
My personal favorite game of all time. Such an absolutely incredible experience, both from for the gameplay / puzzle mechanics, the story, the music and themes.
knokelmaat 2w ago • 100%
Not necessarily a VN, but you might like Pony Island if you liked Doki Doki.
Digital: A Love Story is also an experience that was really powerful for me.
knokelmaat 2w ago • 100%
I was unsure if choosing a specific visual novel would make the discussion too limited, so I decided to go with the genre as a whole for this thread.
Still, I sneakily used my favorite visual novel as the image: Steins;Gate! It was my first game in the genre. I bought it on a whim for PS Vita, after seeing the glowing review headlines that applauded it for its great story and music. Little did I know that this meant only story and music: there was barely any gameplay! This together with the fact that some of the tropes felt really strange to me at the time (I was not really into anime culture) made me regret my purchase and almost stop playing.
But somehow the story got its hooks in me. Only a tiny bit at first, but day after day I became more engrossed and looking forward to my play session. I read it mostly during the night while in bed, and it really took over my life for some time. Eventually I finished all routes and achieved the true ending, which is one of my favorite endings and stories in videogames as a whole.
Since then I've played lots of others. Some quick thoughts:
-999: a bit disappointing, the story felt very contrived and not as great as others experienced it.
-Virtue's last reward: a real step up from the previous game, complex and satisfying story with a very meta twist to it!
-Zero Time Dilemma: often described as the worst in the series, but somehow this story really grabbed me from start to finish. The stakes were extremely high and while the story was very convoluted, the payoff worked for me.
-Danganronpa 1 and 2: very strange and over the top, but extremely well written mysteries with great presentation and soundtrack
-Ace Attorney: the first game in the series. I played it on switch and liked it, but didn't love it. The humor felt to childlike for me at times.
-Planetarian: fantastic little gem of a game. Most visual novels will demand dozens of hours of your time, but this can be finished in less than 5 hours. Absolutely amazing.
-Muv-Luv Extra: I am currently finishing all routes for the first game in this trilogy, as I have heard multiple times that the 3rd one is incredible. I liked it most when it was just funny nonsense (it can be quite hilarious at times). The serious parts really didn't hit home for me and a lot of the content feels a bit problematic and strange. I suppose some of this is culture, some of it satire and it was originally an erotic game so that might have something to do with it.
The format of these posts is simple: let’s discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss the **Visual Novel** genre of videogames. What are your favorites? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Hollow Knight](https://beehaw.org/post/16204715), [Nintendo DS](https://beehaw.org/post/16118681), [Monster Hunter](https://beehaw.org/post/15969036), [Persona](https://beehaw.org/post/15815857), [Monkey Island](https://beehaw.org/post/15642043), [8 Bit Era](https://beehaw.org/post/15418480), [Animal Crossing](https://beehaw.org/post/15260871), [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
knokelmaat 4w ago • 100%
I'm glad that it seems sufficiently different from Ghost of Tsushima. I kind of dislike how most sequels these days are almost the same game with some small improvements in graphics and gameplay (Horizon Forbidden West, Spider-man 2). With the new character and time period, this seems like a more substantial change!
Another trailer that was presented at the recent State of Play. The art style and atmosphere look absolutely incredible to me!
www.youtube.com
This trailer was revealed during the recent State of Play. I really like the look and atmosphere. They clearly had a good look at Death Stranding, but I love that game so this seems right up my alley. What do you guys think?
knokelmaat 4w ago • 100%
I finally got this game through a steam key trade on barter, traded for a game I didn't need from a Fanatical bundle. It's now sitting in my library until I have the time to focus on it, as one of my best friends recommended it to me as one of his favorite games ever. So I want to give it the time and focus it deserves, hopefully it will click for me too!
The format of these posts is simple: let’s discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss **Hollow Knight**. What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Nintendo DS](https://beehaw.org/post/16118681), [Monster Hunter](https://beehaw.org/post/15969036), [Persona](https://beehaw.org/post/15815857), [Monkey Island](https://beehaw.org/post/15642043), [8 Bit Era](https://beehaw.org/post/15418480), [Animal Crossing](https://beehaw.org/post/15260871), [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
On first listen I thought it was OK. Then I slept. Now I can't stop listening. What a banger. I think he's got another big hit here.
knokelmaat 1mo ago • 100%
I really like this game a lot. I know it has problems, but it's the first time since Dirty Bomb that an online shooter was able to grab me. I just really love objective based shooters, that way I can still be useful even though my aim isn't the best.
I just play shotgun healer and push the objective. The spread on the gun allows me to have a decent amount of kills while also healing teammates and getting closer to the win.
knokelmaat 1mo ago • 100%
It pokes out with the DS Lite :)
knokelmaat 1mo ago • 100%
My favorite DS game by far was Lock's Quest. It was the first game that got me genuinely emotional, I had tears in my eyes during the ending. I remember initially being disappointed, as kid me wanted a strategy game, not something where I still had to run around and repair stuff in real time. But my god, my opinion changed quickly and both the gameplay and the story captured my fully. The music was just the icing on the cake.
My most played game by far was Guitar Hero On Tour: Decades. Shredding Can't Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers while sitting in a restaurant with my parents is one of my favorite memories of that time (with headphones of course). I believe this game single-handedly formed most of my music interests for my teenage years.
Finally, I have to mention Bionicle Heroes. I am a massive Bionicle fan (and currently rediscovering it through finally reading the books). This game is by no means a masterpiece, but it is a surprisingly fun first person shooter with great controls and decent graphics for the time. I adored it because my parents were very strict and didn't let me play realistic shooters, but this way I could get my fps fix and play in the world of Bionicle at the same time!
My device was a Nintendo DS Lite, White with flame stickers that came with the Guitar Hero game. I loved that machine to bits.
knokelmaat 1mo ago • 100%
And it was the only one able to fully hold a Game Boy Advance cartridge!
As I have recently bought a secondhand 2DS, I thought I would change things up a bit! Let's discuss the **Nintendo DS** series of portable consoles. What is your favorite version? What games are most memorable to you? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Monster Hunter](https://beehaw.org/post/15969036), [Persona](https://beehaw.org/post/15815857), [Monkey Island](https://beehaw.org/post/15642043), [8 Bit Era](https://beehaw.org/post/15418480), [Animal Crossing](https://beehaw.org/post/15260871), [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
knokelmaat 1mo ago • 100%
What a fantastic piece of witty satire! Thanks for sharing :).
knokelmaat 1mo ago • 100%
I've never played these games. It all just feels extremely overwhelming with the large amount of menus and systems. I'm also unable to focus on long games (I also have issues with long open world games like Breath of the Wild for example), so that is another thing that pushes me away. But the idea of a cosy grind while listening to podcasts does interest me.
However, I have seen the film: an absolute masterpiece in the "bad film genre". Just beautifully brainless action, similar to the amazing Resident Evil films of the same creator.
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss the **Monster Hunter** series. What is your favorite game? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there games that gave you a similar experience? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Persona](https://beehaw.org/post/15815857), [Monkey Island](https://beehaw.org/post/15642043), [8 Bit Era](https://beehaw.org/post/15418480), [Animal Crossing](https://beehaw.org/post/15260871), [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
knokelmaat 2mo ago • 100%
Are those fees related to the platform tip or are they something else?
knokelmaat 2mo ago • 100%
Thanks for this write-up! It was a very interesting read and actually makes me want to try out the series now (especially P3 and p4).
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss the **Persona** series. What is your favorite game? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there games that gave you a similar experience? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Monkey Island](https://beehaw.org/post/15642043), [8 Bit Era](https://beehaw.org/post/15418480), [Animal Crossing](https://beehaw.org/post/15260871), [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
knokelmaat 2mo ago • 100%
Love that piece of sountrack you shared! Such a nice and melancholic melody!
knokelmaat 2mo ago • 100%
I have the remake (The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition) in my Steam backlog. I've been meaning to play it for a while, but it seems like a game that will require my full focus to not forget the story / puzzles. Once some of the games I'm currently playing are finished, I might give it a go. Also seems like a fun game to play during the winter times, so maybe I'll get around to it in a few months.
I absolutely love this retrospective video about the series by youtuber Ahoy: RetroAhoy: The Secret of Monkey Island. I highly recommend it!
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss the **Monkey Island** series. What is your favorite game? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there games that gave you a similar experience? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [8 Bit Era](https://beehaw.org/post/15418480), [Animal Crossing](https://beehaw.org/post/15260871), [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Based on a recommendation I received, we'll change things up by actually *not* discussing a game or series like in earlier posts... Let's discuss the **8-bit era** of gaming. What is your favorite game of this [generation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_generation_of_video_game_consoles)? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Animal Crossing](https://beehaw.org/post/15260871), [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Sadly I am feeling horribly ill right now, as I have Covid for the 3rd time in my life. Nothing serious, but just feeling like shit for the third day in a row. This made me think back to a game that released at the perfect time during the pandemic (the one that isn't Among Us). Let's discuss the **Animal Crossing** series. What is your favorite game in the series? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there other games that gave you similar feelings? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Age of Empires](https://beehaw.org/post/14987502), [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss the **Age of Empires** series. What is your favorite game in the series? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there other games that gave you similar feelings? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Super Mario](https://beehaw.org/post/14835659), [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! I'm going on a trip to Italy, so no better time to discuss my favorite fictional Italian plumber: **Mario**! Let's discuss the **Super Mario** series. What is your favorite game in the series? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there other games that gave you similar feelings? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Deus Ex](https://beehaw.org/post/14746039), [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss the **Deus Ex** series. What is your favorite game in the series? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there other games that gave you similar feelings? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Stardew Valley](https://beehaw.org/post/14498922), [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss **Stardew Valley**. What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there other games that gave you similar feelings? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [The Sims](https://beehaw.org/post/14093524), [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss **The Sims**. What is your favorite game in the series? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there other games that gave you similar feelings? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Half-Life](https://beehaw.org/post/13822356), [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
The format of these posts is simple: let's discuss a specific game or series! Let's discuss the **Half-Life** series. What is your favorite game in the series? What aspects do you like about it? What doesn't work for you? Are there other games that gave you similar feelings? Feel free to share any thoughts that come up, or react to other peoples comments. Let's get the conversation going! If you have any recommendations for games or series for the next post(s), please feel free to DM me or add it in a comment here (no guarantees of course). Previous entries: [Earthbound / Mother](https://beehaw.org/post/13633152), [Mass Effect](https://beehaw.org/post/13437492), [Metroid](https://beehaw.org/post/13306214), [Journey](https://beehaw.org/post/13197359), [Resident Evil](https://beehaw.org/post/12978327), [Polybius](https://beehaw.org/post/12869480), [Tetris](https://beehaw.org/post/12738617), [Telltale Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12654761), [Kirby](https://beehaw.org/post/12576550), [LEGO Games](https://beehaw.org/post/12368265), [DOOM](https://beehaw.org/post/12230125), [Ori](https://beehaw.org/post/12122783), [Metal Gear](https://beehaw.org/post/12010778), [Slay the Spire](https://beehaw.org/post/11899909)
Game Information -------------------- **Game Title**: Animal Well **Platforms**: - PlayStation 5 (May 9, 2024) - Nintendo Switch (May 9, 2024) - PC (May 9, 2024) **Trailer**: - [ANIMAL WELL - Release Date Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhB6dLh9nn4) **Developer**: Billy Basso **Publisher**: Bigmode **Review Aggregator**: **[OpenCritic - 89 average - 100% recommended - 26 reviews](https://opencritic.com/game/16663/animal-well)** Critic Reviews ------------- **[But Why Tho?](https://opencritic.com/outlet/722/but-why-tho-)** - [Charles Hartford](https://opencritic.com/critic/6624/charles-hartford) - [9 / 10](https://butwhytho.net/2024/05/animal-well-review) >Animal Well delivers a gorgeous art style paired with unique gameplay and an uncompromising vision ------------- **[CGMagazine](https://opencritic.com/outlet/82/cgmagazine)** - [Jordan Biordi](https://opencritic.com/critic/378/jordan-biordi) - [9 / 10](https://www.cgmagonline.com/review/game/animal-well-nintendo-switch-review/) >Animal Well kept me captivated from start to finish and long after. Fans of Metroid-likes NEED to play this. ------------- **[COGconnected](https://opencritic.com/outlet/94/cogconnected)** - [Jaz Sagoo](https://opencritic.com/critic/6460/jaz-sagoo) - [80 / 100](https://cogconnected.com/review/animal-well-review/) >Animal Well is a refreshing twist on the Metroidvania formula. Its tight platforming and clever puzzles make each exhilarating trek to distinct regions a blast. Although the retro-inspired art direction and odd presentation may not resonate with everyone, the originality and charm that imbues the game make this trip to the absurd a must for fans of the genre. ------------- **[Checkpoint Gaming](https://opencritic.com/outlet/563/checkpoint-gaming)** - [Omi Koulas](https://opencritic.com/critic/5958/omi-koulas) - [8.5 / 10](https://checkpointgaming.net/reviews/2024/05/animal-well-review-haunting-allure/) >Uncover secrets, evade dangers, and embark on an eerie journey in ANIMAL WELL. Billy Basso has crafted a dark neon aesthetic and enigmatic gameplay that delivers a Metroidvania unlike many others. The mystery and cryptic puzzles won't be for everyone, but those who enjoy a challenge and a good platformer will be rewarded with a haunting adventure. ------------- **[Destructoid](https://opencritic.com/outlet/90/destructoid)** - [Jamie Sharp](https://opencritic.com/critic/6565/jamie-sharp) - [10 / 10](https://www.destructoid.com/reviews/review-animal-well/) >It’s one I’m grateful I experienced knowing so little, and urge anyone else sitting on the fence to wholeheartedly embrace until the darkness and biologically fueled light sources of its world envelop you in your beautiful, if slightly chilly, new home. ------------- **[Digital Trends](https://opencritic.com/outlet/124/digital-trends)** - [Giovanni Colantonio](https://opencritic.com/critic/6533/giovanni-colantonio) - [4 / 5 ](https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/animal-well-review-pc-steam-deck/) >Animal Well's deep secrets and arresting atmosphere will suck you down the rabbit hole. ------------- **[DualShockers](https://opencritic.com/outlet/285/dualshockers)** - [Sam Woods](https://opencritic.com/critic/7552/sam-woods) - [9.2 / 10](https://www.dualshockers.com/animal-well-review/) >Animal Well is sure to be one of 2024's surprise hits. It's Metroidvania gameplay plays second fiddle to a seemingly endless mystery ------------- **[Eurogamer](https://opencritic.com/outlet/114/eurogamer)** - [Christian Donlan](https://opencritic.com/critic/753/christian-donlan) - [5 / 5](https://www.eurogamer.net/animal-well-review) >Explore a bright vision of subterranean nature in this astonishingly rich Metroidvania. ------------- **[Game Informer](https://opencritic.com/outlet/35/game-informer)** - [Charlie Wacholz](https://opencritic.com/critic/7761/charlie-wacholz) - [9 / 10](https://www.gameinformer.com/review/animal-well/a-masterclass-in-environmental-design) >Teeming with life, secrets, and charm that surprise and delight, Animal Well held my full, undivided attention ------------- **[GameSpot](https://opencritic.com/outlet/32/gamespot)** - [Richard Wakeling](https://opencritic.com/critic/1425/richard-wakeling) - [9 / 10](https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/animal-well-review-going-deeper/1900-6418225/) >Animal Well delights with its non-traditional approach to Metroidvanias, combining unique items with a reactive and surreal world that's full of surprises. ------------- **[GamesRadar+](https://opencritic.com/outlet/91/gamesradar-)** - [Jon Bailes](https://opencritic.com/critic/6107/jon-bailes) - [4.5 / 5 ](https://www.gamesradar.com/games/animal-well-review/) >Without giving anything away, it suffices to say that this rabbit hole goes a long way down, and if Animal Well is a Metroidvania, it's so much more besides. ------------- **[Hardcore Gamer](https://opencritic.com/outlet/23/hardcore-gamer)** - [James Cunningham](https://opencritic.com/critic/881/james-cunningham) - [4.5 / 5](https://hardcoregamer.com/review-animal-well/) >Animal Well is a stunner of a metroidvania, usually charming but frequently creepy, mysterious but by no means unapproachable, and filled from top to bottom with secrets that are always satisfying to uncover. ------------- **[Hobby Consolas](https://opencritic.com/outlet/499/hobby-consolas)** - [Alberto Lloret](https://opencritic.com/critic/3763/alberto-lloret) - *Spanish* - [92 / 100](https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-animal-well-nintendo-switch-ps5-pc-1384905) >Animal Well is one of the most interesting indie games that has been released so far in 2024. ------------- **[IGN](https://opencritic.com/outlet/56/ign)** - [Rebekah Valentine](https://opencritic.com/critic/8100/rebekah-valentine) - [9 / 10](https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-well-review) >Animal Well is a beautiful, multi-layered puzzle box that’s both fun to simply play around with, and an utter delight to slowly crack open, secret by secret. ------------- **[Nintendo Life](https://opencritic.com/outlet/136/nintendo-life)** - [Nile Bowie](https://opencritic.com/critic/10443/nile-bowie) - [10 / 10](https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/switch-eshop/animal-well) >Developer Shared Memory's stated goal is "to craft complete experiences that will be playable long after the world loses its internet connection," and screen after screen, Animal Well excels in delighting your eyes and giving your brain something to stew on. It's a riposte against a culture of post-launch updates in favour of a meticulously crafted, singular vision with potentially years' worth of discoveries baked in. By all indications, Animal Well delivers on that long-term promise and does so with a one-of-a-kind elegance. ------------- **[NintendoWorldReport](https://opencritic.com/outlet/138/nintendoworldreport)** - [Willem Hilhorst](https://opencritic.com/critic/6875/willem-hilhorst) - [8.5 / 10](https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/67058/animal-well-switch-review) >Even though it drops a few balls while juggling all these mechanics together, such as the boss battles. Still, ANIMAL WELL is a brilliantly put together game that I'd highly recommend to anyone who wants to get lost in a small but intricately designed game. I am quite convinced that both designers and players will be delving down deeper into this well over the coming years. ------------- **[PC Gamer](https://opencritic.com/outlet/162/pc-gamer)** - [Shaun Prescott](https://opencritic.com/critic/732/shaun-prescott) - [90 / 100](https://www.pcgamer.com/games/puzzle/animal-well-review/) >A sleep-destroying puzzle metroidvania of baffling depth, Animal Well may go down in history as one of the genre's best. ------------- **[PCGamesN](https://opencritic.com/outlet/169/pcgamesn)** - [Lauren Bergin](https://opencritic.com/critic/9296/lauren-bergin) - [8 / 10](https://www.pcgamesn.com/animal-well/review) >Despite its confusing fast travel system and misbehaving yo-yo, Animal Well is a bizarre yet brilliant neon-bathed adventure, characterized by tricky puzzles, intense platforming, and a host of cute animals - almost all of which are out to kill you. ------------- **[PSX Brasil](https://opencritic.com/outlet/514/psx-brasil)** - [Victor Vitório](https://opencritic.com/critic/9556/victor-vit-rio) - *Portuguese* - [85 / 100](https://psxbrasil.com.br/analise/animal-well-review/) >Animal Well is stunning and mysterious, a visual treat that offers open-ended and thought-provoking exploration. The total lack of explanations may put off part of the audience, but those who are willing to see how deep the iceberg, or rather the pit, goes, will have a lot to enjoy in this surrealist metroidvania. ------------- **[Push Square](https://opencritic.com/outlet/25/push-square)** - [Stephen Tailby](https://opencritic.com/critic/942/stephen-tailby) - [8 / 10](https://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps5/animal-well) >Animal Well is an extremely rewarding game — if you're willing to lose yourself in it. The sort of mysteries it's hiding go well beyond finding collectibles, giving you a rich and detailed world to unpack. If you have the patience and the curiosity, it's absolutely worth plumbing its depths. ------------- **[Rock, Paper, Shotgun](https://opencritic.com/outlet/270/rock-paper-shotgun)** - [Edwin Evans-Thirlwell](https://opencritic.com/critic/132/edwin-evans-thirlwell) - [Unscored](https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/animal-well-review) >A gorgeous and immensely absorbing metroidvania platformer that is both easy to get into and dense with secrets. ------------- **[Shacknews](https://opencritic.com/outlet/62/shacknews)** - [TJ Denzer](https://opencritic.com/critic/331/tj-denzer) - [8 / 10](https://www.shacknews.com/article/139814/animal-well-review-score) >Animal Well is one of the strangest metroidvanias I’ve played in a lot of very good ways. It’s pretty, funny, and scary in its atmospheric visuals and audio. Its platforming is also very satisfying and makes you feel good when you figure out how to use your tools properly to solve a puzzle. There are also secrets a plenty and a post-game to explore, as well. It's also just interesting to me that you don't directly fight with enemies and instead use your tools to work around them. The main double-edged sword here is the complete lack of context and hand-holding, which makes Animal Well charming and mysterious, but can make it difficult to keep track of what you were doing or where you should be going next. Nonetheless, if you want a solid and quirky adventure that will put your reflexes and puzzle-solving to the test, Animal Well is an absolutely fascinating journey. ------------- **[Skill Up](https://opencritic.com/outlet/639/skill-up)** - [Ralph Panebianco](https://opencritic.com/critic/5428/ralph-panebianco) - [Unscored](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UEIjOk_7bo) >Video Review - Quote not available ------------- **[TechRaptor](https://opencritic.com/outlet/329/techraptor)** - [Andrew Stretch](https://opencritic.com/critic/2010/andrew-stretch) - [10 / 10](https://techraptor.net/gaming/reviews/animal-well-review-icebergs-worth-of-puzzles-deep-below-surface) >Animal Well is a game that promised platforming and puzzles and has managed to absolutely nail both in execution. Platforming fans will have an enjoyable time reaching the credits and will be content to set it down while puzzle gamers will be enamored by the depth that Animal Well has been able to achieve. You won't get more satisfied by a game solving puzzles like these. ------------- **[TheGamer](https://opencritic.com/outlet/731/thegamer)** - [Eric Switzer](https://opencritic.com/critic/6736/eric-switzer) - [5 / 5 ](https://www.thegamer.com/animal-well-review-you-wont-believe-how-deep-this-well-goes/) >This is a game best played alongside friends who can go in without any expectations and work through obstacles together. Don’t expect to be able to solve everything on your own, but at the same time, do everything you can not to ask for help. If you can be comfortable with contradictions like that, you’ll find a lot to love in Animal Well. ------------- **[Wccftech](https://opencritic.com/outlet/304/wccftech)** - [Kai Tatsumoto](https://opencritic.com/critic/10086/kai-tatsumoto) - [8.6 / 10](https://wccftech.com/review/animal-well-ps5/) >Animal Well is a fantastic breakout title from both a new developer and publishing studio. Fans of Fez and Tunic will feel right at home jumping into this well. -------------